Dr. Merlo grew up in Calumet City, IL and graduated from Lake Forest College with a B.A. in Biology. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S.) from Loyola University School of Dentistry where she earned clinical honors in Pediatric Dentistry and received the Certificate of Merit from the American Society of Dentistry for Children for demonstrated excellence in Pediatric Dentistry. She completed her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at Childrens Memorial Hospital (now known as Lurie Childrens Hospital) in Chicago, where she served as Chief Dental Resident and concurrently, earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Pediatric Dentistry from Northwestern University. During her residency and post-graduate studies, she received the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistrys Graduate Student Research Award for her Masters Thesis. Dr. Merlo had served as an Attending Dentist at Childrens Memorial Hospital as well as an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Loyola University School of Dentistry. Dr. Merlo has extensive dental experience in treating patients with a wide variety of physical, medical, developmental, and emotional conditions, as well as the treatment of dental injuries and traumas.
Dr. Merlo is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Northwest Indiana Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society.
Dr. Merlo and her husband, Dr. Anthony Hirschenberger, a general dentist in Munster, IN, have two sons and reside in Saint John, IN. Dr. Merlo is an avid sports fan (Go Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks!) and enjoys traveling, golfing, cooking, and reading.
Not all pediatric dentists are certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The ABPD certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs.
A pediatric dentist that is board certified has gone through a rigorous examination process with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary 2-part examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care.
Through this accomplishment, a pediatric dentist has earned the title of Diplomate of the American Board Pediatric Dentistry. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dentist whose credentials have been verified, who has successfully completed voluntary examinations, and who demonstrates specialized knowledge and skill. A Diplomate is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a voluntary commitment to lifelong learning.
Reviews
Rating 3.6 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNikki
2 years ago
Omg where do I even begin?! Was told to get there at 9:45am but actually got there at 9:30am only to be seen an hour later. Then while we're checking out the lazy eyed receptionist was rude and ignorant. She gives me the prices of what everything will cost and when I ask her if she was going to see what my insurance would cover she goes and tells me that I need to call the insurance company myself to find out. I've never heard of such a thing, so now the patients need to do the receptionists job?! It doesn't make any sense! Don't waste your time coming here, I wish I would've read the reviews before I brought my son !
Atar Moati
2 years ago
They asked tooooooo many questions and always drive me crazy ,I don't like this place and they too much scared from Covid-19.. if you are Scared honey stay home don't come to work you have to change your job I think so !!!! Ugly I never recommended this Dentist!
Sergio Torres
2 years ago
My 5 yr old came in with a smile and left with a bigger smile, the entire staff are very attentive and caring towards the kids
Laila Smith
2 years ago
Dr. Merlo is great. The receptionist however is ignorant, disrespectful, and rude. That woman has no business working in a place like that. She has no idea how to treat patients with respect, and as a result has lost the practice business. Unfortunately many people feel the same, but fear expressing their feelings or don't have time to argue, but this lady sure has issues.
N. Gardner
2 years ago
They never answer the phone, I called, spoke to the receptionist to request a possible appointment and was told I'd receive a callback. THAT WAS A MONTH AGO!
Lexii Gabajowski'
2 years ago
Not sure why there are so many bad reviews about Deborah I love her! She's never been rude to my family and I. They always make sure to get back with us if they don't answer when I leave a message! Dr Merlo is so cute and attentive my son literally is excited to go to the dentist he's been going here since he was 3 years old! He's now 7 and my other littles are going to see her too! I wouldn't ever want to take my babies anywhere else! Thank you Dr Merlo & the clinical staff
Laila Smith
3 years ago
Dr. Merlo is great. The receptionist however is ignorant, disrespectful, and rude. That woman has no business working in a place like that. She has no idea how to treat patients with respect, and as a result has lost the practice business. Unfortunately many people feel the same, but fear expressing their feelings or don't have time to argue, but this lady sure has issues.
Sergio Torres
3 years ago
My 5 yr old came in with a smile and left with a bigger smile, the entire staff are very attentive and caring towards the kids
Ginny Mulcahy
3 years ago
Dr. Merlo and her staff are the best! I will never take my children to another dentist! Scheduling is easy and they are very thorough in their explanation at the end of every appointment. They try their best to accomodate your scheduling needs. My kids are comfortable there and the office environment is warm & friendly.
Ginny Mulcahy
3 years ago
Dr. Merlo and her staff are the best! I will never take my children to another dentist! Scheduling is easy and they are very thorough in their explanation at the end of every appointment. They try their best to accomodate your scheduling needs. My kids are comfortable there and the office environment is warm & friendly.
Jean Dohman
3 years ago
My kids always loved her.
Jean Dohman
4 years ago
My kids always loved her.
Wendy Samuels
4 years ago
I tried this place out because it had high ratings and was extremely dissapointed as to how they treat people. The "receptionist" (wish I knew her name but she has a lazy eye and is like 60 years old) is extremely rude. I made my appointment a few weeks in advance because my children were new patients and they told me to get their records from their previous dentist. I completely forgot until 2 days prior (I have a life) and I tried my best to get them BEFORE my kid's appointment, however, the old dentist was making it difficult to release the information. When the appoint came the "receptionist" was gossiping to my old dentist as to how lazy of a mother I am and how I had weeks to get the records. I told her she was rude and she nor anyone there apologized. To top that off, I had to ask them to either switch the music or turn it off in our room because the lyrics were about sex. My second and last time I was there, they kept us seperate (as if I was the problem) but took almost 3 hours for a simple cleaning. I had to pay for some device they used on my child before I left (which I was already 45 minutes late) and I asked the same rude lady if I can pay so I can leave. She made it such a big deal that she had to do her job. It's not like they were busy, we literally were the only ones there. All in all, I would be sad for anyone taking their children there. The dentist office is stuck in the 90's, the staff is rude, they have music about sex playing in a children's dentist, the take 3 hours for a simple cleaning, and God forbid you have a life and forget to get the records.
Tina Freeberg
5 years ago
My son justin loves coming to the office he always walks out witb a big smile and that makes me feel great that hes happy
Wendy Samuels
5 years ago
I tried this place out because it had high ratings and was extremely dissapointed as to how they treat people. The "receptionist" (wish I knew her name but she has a lazy eye and is like 60 years old) is extremely rude. I made my appointment a few weeks in advance because my children were new patients and they told me to get their records from their previous dentist. I completely forgot until 2 days prior (I have a life) and I tried my best to get them BEFORE my kid's appointment, however, the old dentist was making it difficult to release the information. When the appoint came the "receptionist" was gossiping to my old dentist as to how lazy of a mother I am and how I had weeks to get the records. I told her she was rude and she nor anyone there apologized. To top that off, I had to ask them to either switch the music or turn it off in our room because the lyrics were about sex. My second and last time I was there, they kept us seperate (as if I was the problem) but took almost 3 hours for a simple cleaning. I had to pay for some device they used on my child before I left (which I was already 45 minutes late) and I asked the same rude lady if I can pay so I can leave. She made it such a big deal that she had to do her job. It's not like they were busy, we literally were the only ones there. All in all, I would be sad for anyone taking their children there. The dentist office is stuck in the 90's, the staff is rude, they have music about sex playing in a children's dentist, the take 3 hours for a simple cleaning, and God forbid you have a life and forget to get the records.
Tina Freeberg
5 years ago
My son justin loves coming to the office he always walks out witb a big smile and that makes me feel great that hes happy
Melissa Colby
6 years ago
I went to Children's Dental Center based on multiple recommendations from fellow moms. I was floored with how wonderful this practice is. The hygienists, the assistants and Dr. Merlo are compassionate and excited to care for my otherwise nervous children. They brought enthusiasm and my kids quickly became excited to learn about tooth health, implement what they learned and actually be excited about their trip to the dentist vs. nervous about it! They wanted to come back for fun! I was very impressed with how well the office was run and how thorough everyone was. No question about it; this was the best dental experience I've ever had.
Beth Braun
7 years ago
Best. Dentist. Ever! Highly recommend. Great and friendly staff as well!
Tony & Teresa Ladd
7 years ago
Everyone is friendly and helpful and Dr. Merlo is the best!!!
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